Former judge, newcomer seek seat on bench in Jefferson County

A former two-term judge looking to return to the bench will face a political newcomer in the March 13 Republican primary for Jefferson County District Court Place 6.

Gloria Bahakel, who served two six-year terms presiding over felony cases in the county's Birmingham Division before losing her bid for re-election in 2010, will face John Halcomb, who served as a special appointed circuit court judge and family court referee for the last four years. This is Halcomb's first run for a judgeship.

The winner of the Republican primary will face incumbent District Judge Katrina Ross, a Democrat, in the November election. The judgeship pays between $118,948.50 and $148,986, depending on bench experience.

The judge presides over misdemeanor criminal cases and preliminary hearings in felony cases in the Birmingham Division. In the general election, the primary winner will face Ross, who also presides over a special docket for Domestic Violence Court.

Bahakel, 56, went back to practicing law after the 2010 election, but said she still has much to offer on the bench.

John Halcomb

"I like public service," she said. "I see a lot of injustice and I have something to contribute that will help the criminal justice system."

Bahakel said she has significant training in chemical dependency and domestic violence, which she can use to help many who enter her courtroom.

"I can use my training to get people the help they need," she said. "One size does not fit all, and I have a network of people that can come in, evaluate them and get them the help they need."

Bahakel said she is known as a "tough" judge and she is OK with that.

"Some complain I was too tough on crime, and I was, but if you're familiar with chemical dependency -- which over 90 percent of those who come into the courtroom are chemically dependent -- you have to be," she said. "But I've had them come back later and say, 'Thank you.' That is worth all of the bad people say."

Bahakel said her experience handling criminal cases -- including capital murder cases -- makes her the best person for the job.

"I don't need to be trained," she said. "I can walk in and get the job done."

Halcomb, 36, began his career as a lawyer in 2003 and worked criminal and civil cases until being appointed as a referee in family court and as a special circuit court judge in 2008.

"The work I was doing on domestic violence cases in the Bessemer Cutoff got the attention of the Republican Party and they asked me to come to Birmingham," he said, when asked why he was seeking the judgeship.

Halcomb, a graduate of the University of Alabama and the Birmingham School of Law, said he plans to continue his record of "promoting justice, protecting neighborhoods and families and efficiently handling overcrowded court dockets."

He said he brings a fresh and fair approach to the courtroom.

"I am fair. I am a judge who follows the law and respects the law," he said. "When you come into my courtroom, you know you're going to be treated fairly. My demeanor reflects that."

Professional experience: Attorney with Bahakel and Bahakel, served 12 years as a circuit court criminal trial judge prior to that; served one year as a special circuit court trial judge in criminal division in 1997-98.

Education: Birmingham School of Law, 1983; University of Alabama at Birmingham, bachelor's degree, 1977.

Campaign: www.gloriabahakel.com

John Halcomb

Age: 36

Residence: Birmingham.

Political experience: First run for elected office.

Professional experience: Served as a referee in family court and a special circuit court judge in Jefferson County from 2008 to 2012; worked as an attorney from 2003 to 2008.

Education: Birmingham School of Law, 2003; University of Alabama, bachelor's degree, 1999.